Microsoft offers students free Xbox with PC buy

Starting May 22, students who buy a new PC for $699 or more will receive a free Xbox 360 4GB console, the software giant said in a blog post today.

The offer is available to online shoppers who buy a PC from Dell.com, HP.com, or Microsoft's online store. Those who want to head to a retail outlet can find the deal at Best Buy or Microsoft's stores.

In order for students to get the free Xbox 360, they will need to have .edu e-mail address at the time of purchase. If they don't have a .edu e-mail address, they can go to a retail store and present their student IDs.

Microsoft's Xbox 360 4GB console currently retails for $200. The hardware features built-in Wi-Fi and comes with a black Xbox 360 wireless controller. Those who want additional storage will need to buy a hard drive separately.

The Xbox 360 has been performing exceptionally well at retail as of late. According to research firm NPD, the software giant sold 297,000 Xbox 360 units in April and bested Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii. Microsoft said that the Xbox 360 has been the best-selling console in 10 of the last 11 months.

Microsoft's free Xbox 360 offer is valid through September 3, or while supplies last. The offer will be coming to Canada and France "soon," Microsoft said.